1. IUD

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Another internal form of birth control is the IUD, intra-uterine device, a T-shaped, plastic instrument that is inserted into the uterus and may or may not contain a hormone.

In the U.S. women may choose a copper-containing IUD that encourages the body to release leukocytes and prostaglandins, substances that are hostile to both sperm and eggs, or one with both copper and the hormone progestin. This hormone decreases the frequency with which a woman releases eggs.

A doctor measures the length and width of the cervix and uterus and then inserts the IUD via the vagina into the uterus. Once there, the devices folded arms open up to a T-form. Strings at the bottom of the IUD are then trimmed to rest just outside the cervix.

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quoteAnother shape of IUD is t...

Another shape of IUD is the frameless IUD. It doesn’t have a hard plastic shape of any kind. Rather, it has a plastic string (similar to fishing line) that holds several hollow cylindrical copper beads. It is held in place by a suture (knot) place at the bottom of the uterus. It’s available in China, Europe, and Germany; some clinics in Canada also provide it.